Infection prevention in the operating room (OR) is a critical responsibility for the perioperative team. An essential element of infection prevention in the perioperative setting includes promoting a healthy OR staff through proper use of personal protective attire (PPA) and with the use of a helmet system. This educational session will outline evidence-based practices for infection prevention strategies to protect Health Care Providers (HCPs) from exposure to bloodborne pathogens using PPA. Preoperative, perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative preventive strategies to avoid complications during total joint procedures will also be discussed. Perioperative professionals need to be aware of strategies to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens to HCPs, reduce periprosthetic joint infections, deliver quality care, and improve outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Review elements of personal protective attire (PPA) and proper donning/doffing procedures
Discuss the importance of using a surgical helmet system to prevent exposure from harmful pathogens
Identify evidence-based strategies to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and promote positive patient outcomes
